Or could you be drinking too much coffee?… 🧐
Coffee is one of our favourite morning beverages in the UK, with about 98 million cups consumed daily. 1https://britishcoffeeassociation.org/coffee-consumption/
No doubt about it, we love our java! But let’s tackle the big question: Is drinking coffee good for you?
Answer: It can be – if you don’t overdo it. Here are some clear health benefits of your daily coffee:
- Can help increase beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacterium2https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24010931
- Regular coffee can improve bowel movements and stimulate digestion3https://britishcoffeeassociation.org/new-review-suggests-coffee-can-stimulate-digestion/
- The polyphenols in coffee can help lower inflammation in your body4https://drruscio.com/coffee-and-gut-health/
- Can help decrease pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium and Escherichia coli5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282261/
- Is associated with lower rates of diseases such as Type II Diabetes, gallstones, liver disease, and more6https://britishcoffeeassociation.org/new-review-suggests-coffee-can-stimulate-digestion/
So the next question is: how much is too much?
If you need to ask yourself if you’re drinking too much coffee, that might be your answer!
Most studies assess anywhere from 1-3 cups of coffee daily, with varied benefits. The official adult recommendation for caffeine is 400mg daily.7https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-crash This is roughly 4 standard coffees ☕☕☕☕
Everyone is different, so find a level within this that suits you! If you’re craving another cup after this, why not make the switch to decaf? This can help moderate your caffeine intake.
What are the downsides?
We all know that coffee can be addictive and may be followed by the ‘coffee crash’. This could be a sign that you’re drinking too much, or not getting enough sleep.8https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-crash It’s also added to a range of milks, sugars, sweeteners, and other additives for flavour. We all love a good Pumpkin Spiced Latte in autumn – but watch out for the additives and sugars!
The best way to have your coffee is with plain A2 milk (that’s milk that doesn’t contain the allergenic A1 casein found in cow’s milk, like goat, oat or almond milk) and use a natural sweetener, such as 100% pure stevia. If you’re having trouble picking a suitable milk, have a read here.
The bottom line is, coffee can be a beneficial addition to your gut microbiome. However, be cautious of amounts and calorific additions.
If you’re looking for an alternative, natural pick-me-up for busy days, take a look at our Siberian Ginseng. Also known as Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng has the ability to improve physical stamina and mental sharpness.9https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk/how-siberian-ginseng-boost-energy/ This is like the effects of caffeine but without an impending coffee crash! Read more about it here.
References
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